FULL90 (2024)

21/08/2023

After concluding their six-and-a-half month investigation, Manchester United have announced Mason Greenwood is to leave the club. In a club statement, United detailed the results of their internal investigation, stating: "Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged. That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for”. The statement continued: "All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome." The official press release comes after reports on Saturday that United were considering a U-turn on Greenwood's future, having initially intended to reintegrate him into their first-team squad, sparked backlash amongst supporters. In Greenwood’s statement, the Manchester United forward said: "I was brought up to know that violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges. However, I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post”. Now, the football world awaits confirmation of Greenwood’s next steps in the professional game, and conversations will undoubtedly be held upon the approach of Manchester United and any future clubs interested in the player.

14/08/2023

With Neymar’s move to Al-Hilal edging closer, discourse around his legacy has started to make the rounds again. Once destined to carry the mantle after the Messi and Ronaldo era, the Brazilian superstar has decided to effectively end his European playing career at the age of 31. No Ballon d’Ors. No significant international trophies. Just one UCL. It’s easy to understand why some have started to label the footballing legacy of Neymar as a player who never succeeded the heights that they were destined to reach. Many have even thrown names such as Mohamed Salah, Thomas Muller and Angel Di Maria in discussions of those who have a ‘greater legacy’ than Neymar. But is that fair? Should legacies be decided by team trophies or should they be based on individual performances and footballing prowess? Where do you believe Neymar ranks amongst the all-time greats? Let us know in the comments.

13/08/2023

Rolls-Royce Footballer.

11/08/2023

Long Season Ahead.

10/08/2023

We’ll be coming back to this…

04/08/2023

Mikel Arteta for British GQ.

24/07/2023

If you were Mbappé, do you accept?

22/07/2023

Global.

19/07/2023

We’ll start: Jack Wilshere.

13/07/2023

In an interview with Gary Neville and The Overlap, Dele Alli spoke candidly about his battle against addiction, childhood trauma and mental health struggles. Whilst his words may come as a surprise to football fans, they ought to act as a catalyst for reflection by those who have mistreated Dele, and a wide host of other players, over recent years. The commodification of the footballer is something that has continued to grow alongside the rise of media. Bad performances automatically linked to groundless ‘attitude problems’. Consistent attacks on social media after poor results. Harmful narratives creating views of players that are independent of their real personalities and backgrounds. By speaking out like this, Dele Alli has illuminated the struggles and trauma that many footballers, and ordinary people alike, carry with them at all times. It’s easy to see professional football as an act of theatre, games conducted on stages with thousands in attendance, and players merely cogs in wider systems. However, what Dele’s interview spotlights is that we can never truly understand what happens behind the curtains. Footballers are real people with real stories. From sexual abuse at a young age, to recent addiction problems and thoughts of retiring aged just 24, Dele’s journey to the professional game deserves nothing short of the upmost respect and understanding, not criticism. Importantly, this is a reminder that these values ought to extend beyond football; even without the intense pressures of the professional game, ordinary people can share the same experiences and feelings. Getting help should never be construed as a weakness, and empathy must be seen as a virtue. Huge respect to Dele Alli for voicing his story, and let’s hope his bravery can spark the much-needed dialogues around addiction, mental health and media scrutiny that surrounds the beautiful game.

27/06/2023

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha and rapper Stormzy are close to becoming joint owners of non-league club AFC Croydon. The pair are part of a three-man consortium, along with Palace’s former head of player care, Danny Young, that has agreed a deal to acquire the assets of the south London side. AFC Croydon announced this morning that contracts had been exchanged with the existing ownership to acquire the assets of the club and the consortium “will own, operate and develop their childhood hometown football club.” A statement added: “Whilst completion is subject to legislative and governance procedures, the three consortium members are excited about developing a community asset in the borough that gave them their own opportunities. They hope to take the entire community on this exciting journey with them.” Whilst born in Ivory Coast, Wilfried Zaha was raised in the borough of Croydon and has already been involved in community projects in the area through his own charitable foundation and an Academy, alongside Stormzy who also hails from Croydon and is said to be a long-time friend of Zaha. AFC Croydon were founded in 2012 after Croydon Athletic withdrew from the Isthmian League in the 2011-12 campaign and then folded. They finished 15th last season but are looking to progress under their star-studded new ownership. Big movements.

16/06/2023

History Awaits.

03/06/2023

🏆🏆⏳

27/05/2023

“Dread it. Run from it. Destiny arrives all the same.”

17/05/2023

City Boys Up

14/05/2023

Gundo the Great.

09/05/2023

Fútbol.

03/05/2023

History.

30/04/2023

This Partnership >>>

26/04/2023

Dominance.

21/04/2023

Next Game: Manchester City (A)

11/04/2023

City’s Year?

09/04/2023

__________ are winning the Premier League.

08/04/2023

Tap-in.

01/04/2023

Inevitable.

26/03/2023

The family of Jack Leslie, the Plymouth Argyle footballer who should have been England’s first black footballer if not for him being deselected due to his skin colour, received his posthumous cap before England’s qualifier against the Ukraine. In a statement, the FA announced the awarding of the cap was “to recognise (Leslie’s) career, his contribution to our game and wider society and to right his historical wrong”. The FA have shown continual support to the Jack Leslie Campaign, which led to the unveiling of a statue in Leslie’s honour at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park in October 2022. A statement from Leslie’s granddaughters, Lesley Hiscott, Lyn Davies and Gill Carter said: “When the FA told us they were giving our grandad this posthumous honour it took our breath away. What happened to him nearly a century ago is a burden he carried through his life with the dignity and grace he had as a human being and a footballer”. They went on to write: “This is our family’s history and now it is part of the nation’s history, a recognition that things can and must change. This means so much to the whole family. Granddad never shouted or complained but he knew he should have been capped and now, at last, he is.” Whilst questions still need to be asked about why it took almost a century for Leslie’s name to rise to its rightful prominence, this is a big step in the Football Association’s attempts to ensure English football is more diverse and inclusive to all. Jack Leslie deserved to be given his flowers whilst he was still alive, yet gestures such as this, alongside the work by the Jack Leslie Campaign to roll out educational materials to schools and organisations, ensure that his story will be remembered and learnt from in years to come.

22/03/2023

Mesut Özil has officially retired from professional football at the age of 34. Let’s give respect where it’s due. One of the greatest playmakers to ever lace up. World Cup Winner. La Liga Champion. Boasts FA Cup, Copa Del Rey and German Cup trophies to his name just for good measure. But his genius extended far beyond the trophy cabinet. MÖ shifted the culture. The only man to have kids playing for assists over goals. Made his first true mark at Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga, before becoming a superstar for Los Blancos, and a subsequent Barclays icon. His stint at Arsenal may have risen to a bitter end but real ones will appreciate the work he put in for the Gunners. MÖ walked so MØ could run. Yet, with all this said, his legacy will extend far beyond the football pitch. One of the very few footballers to speak out against the acts of brutality by the Chinese Government against Uyghur Muslims. Launched an initiative to create development centres for South Asian footballers in England. Showcased his faith on the biggest stage to inspire others coming up. Mesut Özil’s playing days might have come to an end, but the next generation that he inspired, on and off the pitch, will continue to rise. Thank you, Mesut.

14/03/2023

Five.

11/03/2023

The Premier League has informed the 12 teams playing on Saturday that players and managers will not be asked to do interviews for Match of the Day. In a statement, the Professional Footballers’ Association stated that they “would support all members who might face consequences for choosing not to complete their broadcast commitments”. This comes in the aftermath of Gary Lineker being told by the BBC to step back following his criticism of the British government’s asylum policy; the Match of the Day host used social media to compare the language used by the government as “not dissimilar to” 1930s Germany. After it was announced that Gary Lineker would be stepping back, pundits Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and Jermaine Jenas all said they would not appear on the show. Later, MOTD commentators Steve Wilson, Conor McNamara, Robyn Cowen and Steven Wyeth shared a joint statement online saying they "do not feel it would be appropriate to take part in the programme" on Saturday. BBC’s Match of the Day is now set to air without a studio presenter, commentators or pundits. Plaudits should be given to all those standing in solidarity with Gary Lineker, and by extension, the principles of free speech in a dangerous political climate.

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